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Leeds Diary Dates: January 2016

January – the month of sales, winter blues, and empty wallets. It’s also the month of my birthday, and yet even I struggle to like this horrible month; everyone’s still feeling slightly bloated, hungover and lethargic from Christmas, the weather is terrible, and we’re all struggling to come to terms with the fact that mulled wine is off the menu for another 11 months. But come to terms with it we must, so here are the things that will be keeping me busy through the dreary month of January.

All month: 50% off food at Shears Yard

I know this isn’t technically an ‘event’, but for one of my favourite Leeds restaurants I’m making an exception. From 5.30pm-10pm Tuesday to Friday or 12pm-4pm on Sundays, you can get 50% off your food at Shears Yard – all you have to do is sign up to their newsletter to receive your voucher. I’ve got this pegged for one of my birthday meals; since I’m being such a frugal birthday girl I should be able to persuade my date to treat me to a few beautiful cocktails…

8th-10th: Brew-denell Beer & Ale Festival

In 2016 I’m continuing with my mission to get to grips with beer, at events like this one at Hyde Park’s Brudenell Social Club. Brew-denell is a small-scale festival (their venue size doesn’t allow for much else!) that focuses on micro breweries both in the UK and around the world, highlighting the merits of independent breweries and craft beer. Entry is £4.50 in advance and a ticket allows access for the whole day so you can come and go as you please, with food and entertainment on offer too.

15th-16th: Adventure Film Festival

For 2 days in mid-January, the Carriageworks is hosting the Leeds leg of the Adventure Film Festival, a collection of short films and documentaries following high-octane adrenalin sports and people pushing themselves to their limits to achieve incredible feats. There are 2 programmes, one running on Friday and the other on Saturday; I’m leaning towards programme 3 on Saturday which features an interview with the world’s oldest skydiver, the journey of two men undertaking an incredible biking and climbing mission in the American Southwest, and a fun short on the freedom of underwater weightlessness. Feels like an inspiring way to start the new year!

16th: Creatures of the Night – Labyrinth 30th Anniversary

The Adventure Film Festival’s cinematic adversary on the 16th is Hyde Park Picture House’s Creatures of the Night screening. Those familiar with the cinema are undoubtedly aware of its regular late night screenings of cult classics, and this month they’re screening Labyrinth as the film approaches the 30th anniversary of its release date. The David Bowie fan club will be out in force…

28th: Carnegie Conversations – Kevin Sinfield and Bryan Redpath Q&A

This one’s got a fairly small and specific circle of interest, but I’m definitely inside the circle. Those who know me will know I’m a longtime fan of the Leeds Rhinos, and I’m still getting over the fact that our beloved captain Kevin Sinfield has left to start his journey to retirement via rugby union. Last season he led the Rhinos to a historic treble win never before achieved by the club and recently came second in Sports Personality of the Year, so it will be amazing to hear him speak about his achievements. As a stubborn fan of rugby league and therefore ignorer of rugby union I don’t really have any interest in Bryan Redpath, but Tanya Arnold is interviewing and she’s a babe.

What have you got planned for January? Let me know if there’s something I’ve missed!

Ha, you know when I was reading through Programme 2 I actually thought of you ! I was like, surfing in Norway, longboarding in California – this is definitely Emma’s thing…
I’ve realised that if I do go to this I might have to go on the Friday as I’ll probably be out for my birthday on Saturday, so potential Programme 2 buddy right here 🙂